I have been thinking lately about the different ways in which people view the paranormal & supernatural. Even more than that, about how people have differing views on just about anything you could name. Things like alternative medicines, energy drinks, reality telivision, history, conspiracy theories, how a certain job should be done, anything really.
I have come to hold the opinion that everyone is part skeptic and part believer, with only the ratio between the parts differing.
So I thought that I would pose these two questions:
What is one thing that you do not believe in?
and:
What is one thing that you believe, even though you might not have objective proof that it is true?
The answers can be paranormal subjects, or just any old thing, like an urban legend you once heard. Just do not say that you are skeptical of skepticism. That's not only a non sequitur, it's like wishing for more wishes.
Feel free to give reasons behind your answers if you wish. That's a plus, as a matter of fact. The only thing I ask is that you do not try to debate other people's beliefs in this thread. That is not what this is about. It's more about self examination than what others are saying. At any rate, I hope this is something we can all have a little fun with.
I will start:
I am skeptical of homeopathic medicine. I feel that way because there are no scientific sudies that show the effectiveness of it. The compounds are so diluted that there is not a single molocule of the active ingredient left. You have only water, and no one can explain how water could cure you. I could go on, but you get the idea.
I believe that those "5-hour" energy shots help me when I participate in western martial arts competitions. I have made a subjective judgement that I 'feel" better during and after the fighting if I drink one 30 minutes before I start. I seem to have an easier time staying focused mentally, and I am not as tired afterwards. I don't know how they work, but I am pretty sure that they do. I have made drinking these energy shots part of my pre-fight "ritual."
Regards, Canis